- How are petroleum deposits formed from the bodies of photosynthetic organisms?
- How is nylon made from petroleum products?
- Is there anything man-made that does not depend on the products of photosynthesis for its production? What on earth (man-made or otherwise) does not depend on photosynthesis?
- Why do some plants have red leaves, and what purpose is this hypothesized to serve?
- How did the FIRST photosynthetic organism come into existence?
- Has the process of photosynthesis evolved over time? How?
- How does red tide occur, and what about these organisms makes red tide toxic to people?
- Can you differentiate among plants based on only their chloroplasts?
- How does uv light affect photosynthesis? Are there plants that can use uv light for the light reactions of photosynthesis?
- Do pesticides affect reaction rates (specifically of photosynthesis)?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Lab 4 Quiz Bank questions
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Anna P.
ReplyDeleteHow does red tide occur, and what about these organisms makes red tide toxic to people?
Red tide is caused by a higher than normal concentration of algae. The rapid accumulation of algae can depend on a variety of factors, including wind speed and direction, water currents, and concentration of red tide microorganisms. It is very difficult to predict where and when the red tide will occur. The color of the algae accumulation varies and can be red, yellow, orange, brown, and even green. Red tide produces a natural toxin that can affect the neural system of the fish. It also depletes oxygen. The toxin is usually not deadly to humans, but it does irritate human respiratory system. People with breathing problems are especially susceptible to the toxin and should avoid swimming when red tide is present.
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. (2009). Red Tide. Retrieved June 12, 2009, from http://research.myfwc.com/support/view_faqs.asp?id=13
Anna P.
ReplyDeleteDo pesticides affect reaction rates(specifically of photosynthesis)?
Butachlor is one of the commonly used pesticides, and it significantly suppresses the rate of photosynthesis in plants. Several studies showed that sulfonylurea herbicides not only inhibit the photosynthesis process, they also reduce the growth rate in aquatic plants. However, the concentrations used in the studies were much higher than those used in the fields. Thus, low concentrations of pesticides have no significant effect on the photosynthesis process.
Chen, Zhen; Juneau, Philippe; Qiu, Baosheng. (2007). Effects of three pesticides on the growth, photosynthesis and photoinhibition of the edible cyanobacterium Ge-Xian-Mi (Nostoc). 81(3), 256-265. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier.
Nylon was invented in 1938 by the E.I. DuPont de Nemours Company as a substitute for silk. It is a derivative of petroleum based chemicals, namely hexamethylenediamine and sebacoyl chloride. When the molecules of these chemicals link together, they form an alternating pattern of atoms to create a chain. This chain is the nylon. Since the densities of hexamethylenediamine and sebacoyl chloride are different, the less dense sabacoyl chloride will stay on top of the hexamethylenediamine. The layer formed in between is the nylon. Once the nylon is removed, another layer will quickly form in its place.
ReplyDeleteGray, Theodore. "Stir Up Some Nylon." Popular Science. 01 May 2006. 15 June 2009 http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2006-05/stir-some-nylon.
Michael D.
The red pigment of plant leaves is mostly due to the presence of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins protect the plants’ cells from high-light damage by absorbing blue, blue-green, and green light. Therefore, the light reflected is red. Anthocyanins are formed in the cell sap. In some plants, a greater concentration of sugar leads to a greater number of anthocyanins. This increase in sugar will cause the leaves to turn red. Dry weather increases the sugar concentration in sap. Temperature also affects the color of the leaves. Low temperatures destroy chlorophyll, which causes the plants leaves to appear green. Also, low temperatures above freezing promote the growth of anthocyanins. Bright sunshine also has the same effect on chlorophyll and anthocyanins. Due to these weather conditions, autumn tends to cause plant leaves to have a beautiful, red hue.
ReplyDeleteShakhashiri, Bassam Z. "Chemical of the Week - The Chemistry of Autumn Colors." Science is Fun in the Lab of Shakhashiri. University of Wisconsin - Madison. 15 June 2009 http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/CHEMWEEK/fallcolr/fallcolr.html.
• How does uv light affect photosynthesis? Are there plants that can use uv light for the light reactions of photosynthesis?
ReplyDeleteUltraviolet light actually kills many pathogens and bacteria related to survival of plant organisms. However, ultraviolet radiation does disrupt photosynthesis. The effect that ultraviolet radiation can have on organisms can be minimized by tolerances built up, or locations of the organism itself. The laminaria hyperborean, kelp located in Norway, was studied to determine specific effects of ultraviolet radiation B and A, between shallow and deep coastal waters. UV-A was found to contribute more to daily production loss in shallow costal waters than UV-B. Another study conducted on Douglas fir seedlings using UV-B radiation, showed a decrease in growth over first year but a recovery during second and third years. It was determined that the UV-B radiation did not have long term effects on the chlorophyll or long term growth on the Douglas fir.
Dunton, K.H., Miller, H.L., Neale, P.J., (June 2009). BIOLOGICAL WEIGHTING FUNCTIONS FOR UV INHIBITION OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN THE KELP LAMINARIA HYPERBOREA (PHAEOPHYCEAE). Phycology, 45 (3), 571-584. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier Database.
Bassman, J., Edwards, G., Robberecht, R., (April 2002). Long-term exposure to enhanced UV-B radiation is not detrimental to growth and photosynthesis in Douglas-fir. New Phytologist, 154 (1), 107-120. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.